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BRIDGING THE GAP TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES
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What would normally be a vibrant time for social gatherings and economic stability has proven to be a challenging period for many local small business owners. Over the past three months small businesses throughout Boynton Beach have felt the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which abruptly halted business for various local industries.
Many businesses were not equipped to manage and sustain the loss of revenue that resulted from the sudden coronavirus outbreak and accompanying social distancing restrictions. The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and exactly how long it will last has left many business owners feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
Recognizing the vital role that small businesses contribute to a thriving local economy, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) worked quickly and diligently to create a relief program that would provide businesses with much needed funding to assist with core expenditures.
Under the agency’s Small Business Disaster Relief Forgivable Loan Program (SBDRFLP), eligible businesses with 50 or fewer employees could apply for a $10,000 interest free business loan to be used towards payroll, utilities, or inventory expenses within one year of the loan date. The program was streamlined to provide more flexibility to small local businesses which otherwise would be ineligible or whose immediate needs are not addressed through the federal and state funding programs during the mandatory closure.
Over the period of seven weeks, the BBCRA distributed $1 million in relief funding to over 100 small businesses located within the BBCRA area. The forgivable loan essentially served as a life line to keep businesses afloat during the turbulent times.
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LIKE A LOCAL
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST
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How do you live like a local in Boynton Beach?
Whether it’s enjoying exhilarating adventures on our beautiful waterways, eating exquisite cuisine or drinking crafty cocktails at a trendy restaurant, shopping at local plazas for unique finds, or taking care of everyday errands there’s still so much to see and safely do in Boynton Beach!
In June, we launched the “Like a Local Social Media Contest” to promote businesses located within the BBCRA area. The contest is a great opportunity to show your support of local businesses and be entered into a drawing to win amazing prizes such as: gift certificates for restaurants, hair salons, retail shops, marine charters located at the Boynton Harbor Marina, and other local industries.
Since it’s summertime and oh so hot, the first phase of the contest, Boat Like a Local, is all about the fun marine activities that can be enjoyed at the Boynton Harbor Marina, including the incredible fishing charters, dive charters, boat rentals, Intracoastal pleasure cruises, parasailing and jet ski rentals.
Participation in the contest is fun and easy – just follow these three steps for your chance to win:
- Step 1: Follow @BoyntonBeachCRA on Facebook or Instagram.
- Step 2: Pick your favorite business from the list and tag them in the comments along with three friends that you’d like to enjoy a fun activity with.
- Step 3: Leave a review on the Boynton Harbor Marina’s Facebook page about the marina and why you love living Like a Local in Boynton Beach. Don’t forget to tag your favorite marina business in your review!
Contestants must complete all steps to be eligible to win a prize. Winners will be notified through Facebook messenger and announced on the BBCRA Facebook page.
Show your support of local businesses by participating today!
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TOWN SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE
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If you take a quick drive through downtown Boynton Beach it’s hard to miss the progress of the Town Square Redevelopment Project. Most noticeably, the new City Hall and Library located at 100 E. Ocean Avenue, the SE corner of East Ocean Avenue and Seacrest Boulevard.
Despite the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development team was able to implement safety precautions and continue with construction. City Officials and the BBCRA team anxiously await the completion of the project and anticipate serving the public in the new facility beginning July 7, 2020.
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BOYNTON BEACH FIRE STATION #1
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Some of Boynton Beach’s finest moved into their new home at Fire Station #1 located at 200 East 1st Street. Fire Station #1 is an important cornerstone for the Town Square Redevelopment Project and the overall community in East Boynton Beach.
The outdated 1969 building has been replaced by a functional and upgraded facility featuring new equipment, technology and living quarters. On June 3, 2020, City officials, along with Florida State Representative Joe Casello and Mayor Steven Grant celebrated the completion of the project with a “Firehose Cutting Ceremony.”
The Boynton Beach CRA contributed funding for this project as part of the Town Square Redevelopment Project. The BBCRA is grateful for the men and women who will continue to serve the community from their new home at Fire Station #1.
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OCEAN BREEZE EAST AFFORDABLE MULTI-FAMILY RENTAL APARTMENTS COMING SOON!
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Ocean Breeze East is a highly anticipated project in the Heart of Boynton neighborhood. This urban infill project will consist of 3-story affordable multi-family rental apartment buildings, recreational amenities, upgraded landscaping, and associated parking, in addition to about 990 square feet of ‘flex space’ to be used as the Neighborhood Officer Program (NOP) office and a community center.
This 123 unit rental apartment project is located at 700 N. Seacrest Boulevard in the Heart of Boynton. Project completion is anticipated in January 2021. Interested residents can reach out to the project developer, Centennial Management, at obreeze@centennialmgt.com or (305) 455-5006 for more information on the application process.
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If you are looking for that bucket list fishing experience look no further. “Experiences are created” is the mission of Found at Sea Charters, the newest tenant at the Boynton Harbor Marina. Not your typical fishing charter, Found at Sea is a family owned business of two brothers, Peter and Stephen Bilbo that are dedicated to providing that one-of-a-kind experience.
For your first booking Found at Sea offers a complimentary video of your day at sea hooking that big catch and a FISHBOX containing the culinary “tricks of the trade recipes” that will compliment your fresh catch. If a relaxing cruise on the waterway with family or friends is on your list, Found at Sea offers a pleasure cruise experience.
Found at Sea Charters can’t wait to take you on your next adventure!
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ALFA PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT
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Alfa Pizzeria & Restaurant is now open at 1600 N. Federal Hwy in the Ocean Palm Plaza. This family owned business specializes in delicious pizza, savory pasta, hot subs, as well as a variety of other tasty menu items.
Alfa Pizzeria & Restaurant is open for dine-in, pickup or delivery Monday through Friday from 12pm to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2am. Click below to view their daily specials or to place an order online.
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Please help us welcome, Tokio Ramen, an authentic Japanese ramen eatery located in the One Boynton plaza at 307 E. Woolbright Road. Chef Hiro is a magician when it comes to the layers of flavor infused in the broth and ramen noodles which are the centerpiece of their menu.
After owning and operating multiple restaurants the past 20 years, Tokio Ramen is a dream come true for Chef Hiro and his family. The small menu is intentionally scaled down because they are committed to delivering the freshest, best quality ramen. And don’t just take our word for it – the 5-star reviews on Google will have you running there for lunch or dinner today!
As part of the BBCRA’s Economic Development Grant Program, Tokio Ramen will receive approximately $27,000 in 50% matching rent reimbursement for their first 18 months of business. The BBCRA is proud to be the home to the BEST ramen in Boynton Beach!
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ORGANIC KITCHEN AND MERCANTILE
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In a world of busy, busy, busy sometimes the hardest thing to plan at the end of a hard day’s work is: What’s for dinner? So many of us crave home-cooked meals with fresh and healthy ingredients but making time for the shopping, prepping and cooking is near impossible. Thank goodness, Organic Kitchen and Mercantile is here to save the day! Organic Kitchen and Mercantile provides a weekly chef-made meal service featuring delicious, wholesome ingredients and a variety of savory and sweet foods to stock your fridge.
Chef Coton has partnered with some of the best local farmers, fishermen and artisans to further her commitment to prepare sustainable and clean meals. She also packages her meals in 100% compostable containers made from renewable resources. To plan your next dinner view the Organic Kitchen and Mercantile by clicking the learn more button or visit the kitchen located in Ocean Plaza at 640 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 6.
Organic Kitchen and Mercantile participated in the BBCRA Economic Development Grant Programs and will receive approximately $42,000 in 50% matching reimbursable funds for rental assistance for their first 18 months of business as well as funds for eligible interior build-out improvements. Thank you for choosing Boynton Beach, Organic Kitchen and Mercantile!
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The Boynton Harbor Marina is now open for business after being closed due for the Covid-19 pandemic. The marina is observing all of the restrictions pertaining to marinas as outlined in Palm Beach County Order 2020-005, Section 5, Attachment 2 as well as CDC guidelines. Facial coverings and gloves are required to enter the ship store/office. Facial coverings are also required to utilize the fuel dock and our charter boat docks.
Transient vessels will not be accepted at this time. Additionally, it is recommended to contact marina/charter businesses that operate out of the marina in advance to confirm that they are open and accepting bookings.
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HISTORIC WOMAN’S CLUB OF BOYNTON BEACH
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The BBCRA is now accepting tour and booking requests for the newly renovated Historic Woman’s Club of Boynton Beach. This historic Addison Mizner building is the perfect venue for weddings, parties, corporate events, conferences, and meetings.
For building information or to submit a booking inquiry, please call (561) 600-9097 or email WomansClub@bbfl.us.
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SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH PROGRAM (SMOP)
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Follow @BoyntonBeachCRA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on new BBCRA Area businesses, specials from local businesses, special promotions, and social media contests all summer long!
Do you own a local business? Would you like to be included in upcoming promotions? Contact Renee Roberts at robertsr@bbfl.us to learn more about the Social Media Outreach Program.
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On July 1st, the BBCRA will be relocating to the 4th Floor of the new City Hall building, located in Downtown Boynton Beach at 100 E. Ocean Avenue.
The new Boynton Beach City Hall will be open to residents on Tuesday, July 7th beginning at 8:00 a.m. Visitors must follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing, and the use of facial coverings will be required.
Please note: The BBCRA office hours will be modified to match the hours of City Hall. The agency will now be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BBCRA staff will continue to partially work remotely from home with up to 50% of staff members working onsite each day at the new location.
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Please join us in welcoming back two re-elected BBCRA Board Members; Woodrow Hay and Ty Penserga.
Board Member Woodrow Hay, is no stranger to Boynton Beach politics, he served as a commissioner/board member for six years and was appointed interim mayor/chair in 2012. He is an advocate for mental health awareness, reading and athletics programming for youth, and senior security. Board Member Hay’s term is March 2020 to March 2023.
Vice Chair Penserga, is a lifelong Floridian, scientist, and educator. He strongly believes that good governance, equitable growth, and a strong, long-term vision are what will revitalize our city, bring prosperity to all residents, and put our city back on the map. Vice Chair Penserga’s term is March 2020 to March 2023.
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In furtherance of the CRA’s 2016 Redevelopment Plan, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency has allocated $95,000 ($45,000 for rehabilitation activities and $50,000 for new construction) for its Affordable and Workforce Housing Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2019-20. Eligible properties must be located in the CRA area. Grant program guidelines & applications are available online, click the learn more button below for additional information.
Completed applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis online beginning at 10 AM on July 6 and in-person applications will be accepted in conjunction with the re-opening of City Hall at 8:30 AM on July 7 until funds are expended.
Questions? Contact Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director, at (561) 600-9098 or ShuttT@bbfl.us for more information.
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You can now receive important messages and information from the CRA directily on your phone. Just text EZBBCRA to 484848 to sign up!
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JULY 2ND HAS BEEN CANCELED
CRA BOARD MEETING
July 14th @ 5:30 PM – VIRTUAL MEETING
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
August 6th @ 6:30 PM – 100 E. Ocean Ave., 1st Floor
CRA BOARD MEETING
August 11th @ 5:30 PM – 100 E. Ocean Ave., 1st Floor
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CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
September 3rd @ 6:30 PM – 100 E. Ocean Ave., 1st Floor
CRA BOARD MEETING
September 8th @ 5:30 PM – 100 E. Ocean Ave., 1st Floor
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To protect the health and safety of the CRA Board, staff, and community members face masks will be required and social distancing measures will be implemented for upcoming CRA meetings.
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Questions? Contact us today 561-600-9097
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Boynton Beach Insider 
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